CN109386730B - Connection structure of pressure vessel, tank module including the same, and tank module manufacturing method - Google Patents

Connection structure of pressure vessel, tank module including the same, and tank module manufacturing method Download PDF

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Publication number
CN109386730B
CN109386730B CN201810895427.0A CN201810895427A CN109386730B CN 109386730 B CN109386730 B CN 109386730B CN 201810895427 A CN201810895427 A CN 201810895427A CN 109386730 B CN109386730 B CN 109386730B
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China
Prior art keywords
interface
pressure vessel
passage
axial direction
tank module
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CN201810895427.0A
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Chinese (zh)
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CN109386730A (en
Inventor
泽井统
甲斐雄基
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Toyota Motor Corp
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Toyota Motor Corp
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/08—Mounting arrangements for vessels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • F17C5/06—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures for filling with compressed gases
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/06—Fibrous reinforcements only
    • B29C70/10—Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements, e.g. hollow fibres
    • B29C70/16—Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements, e.g. hollow fibres using fibres of substantial or continuous length
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/002—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for vessels under pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03032—Manufacturing of fuel tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03118—Multiple tanks, i.e. two or more separate tanks
    • B60K2015/03144—Fluid connections between the tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03309—Tanks specially adapted for particular fuels
    • B60K2015/03315—Tanks specially adapted for particular fuels for hydrogen
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
    • B60L58/30—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/035—Orientation with substantially horizontal main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/01—Reinforcing or suspension means
    • F17C2203/011—Reinforcing means
    • F17C2203/012—Reinforcing means on or in the wall, e.g. ribs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0604—Liners
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0619—Single wall with two layers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0626—Multiple walls
    • F17C2203/0629—Two walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0646—Aluminium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0648—Alloys or compositions of metals
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
    • F17C2203/0663—Synthetics in form of fibers or filaments
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F17C2205/0134—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels
    • F17C2205/0142—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels bundled in parallel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F17C2205/0134—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels
    • F17C2205/0146—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels with details of the manifold
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/013—Single phase liquid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0184—Fuel cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/4673—Plural tanks or compartments with parallel flow

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection structure of a pressure vessel, a tank module including the same, and a tank module manufacturing method. The connecting structure for pressure vessels is configured such that each of the mouthpiece is connected to at least one end of the pressure vessel, and when adjacent mouthpiece are connected to each other in a cross direction crossing the axial direction, the pressure vessels placed side by side can be connected to each other. The interface includes a connection portion along a cross direction crossing the axial direction. This connecting portion includes: an externally threaded portion formed on a first side thereof; and a nut rotatably locked to a second side thereof and having an internal threaded portion threadably engaged with the external threaded portion.

Description

Connection structure of pressure vessel, tank module including the same, and tank module manufacturing method
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a connection structure for a pressure vessel, a tank module including the connection structure, and a method of manufacturing the tank module.
Background
As a pressure vessel to be mounted on a vehicle, as described in japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2002-. Here, when the diameter of the pressure vessel described in JP 2002-. For example, in Japanese unexamined patent application publication (translation of PCT application) No.2001-506737(JP 2001-506737A), a plurality of pressure vessels (tubes) connected via a manifold are placed along the shape of a vehicle.
Meanwhile, when pressure vessels are connected to a manifold, the juxtaposed pressure vessels may have different attachment angles (an angle may be formed between the juxtaposed pressure vessels). In particular, when the pressure vessels are long, a large difference in distance is created between their ends on the side not facing the manifold. Accordingly, there is room for improvement in a structure for connecting a plurality of pressure vessels placed in parallel.
Disclosure of Invention
The present invention provides a connecting structure for connecting a plurality of pressure vessels placed side by side, which is capable of eliminating an error in an attachment angle between the pressure vessels when the pressure vessels are connected to each other.
A first aspect of the invention relates to a connecting structure for a pressure vessel. This connection structure includes: a first interface member connected to at least one end of the tubular first pressure vessel in the axial direction; a second interface member connected to at least one end of the tubular second pressure vessel in the axial direction; and a nut. The first interface includes a first through passage extending in a crossing direction crossing the axial direction, and a first communication passage configured to connect the first through passage to an inside of the first body portion of the first pressure vessel. The second interface includes a second through passage extending in a crossing direction crossing the axial direction, and a second communication passage configured to connect the second through passage to an inside of the second body portion of the second pressure vessel. The first interface member includes an externally threaded portion disposed on the first outer wall portion of the first through passage. The nut is rotatably locked to the second outer wall portion of the second through passage of the second interface member and is threadedly engaged with the externally threaded portion of the first interface member, thereby interconnecting the first and second interface members in the crosswise direction.
The connecting structure is applied to the connection of a plurality of pressure vessels. Each of the mouthpiece is connected to at least one end of the pressure vessel in the axial direction, and the pressure vessels are connected to each other when adjacent mouthpiece are connected to each other in a crossing direction crossing the axial direction. Here, the "intersecting direction" is not limited to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, but also includes a direction diagonally inclined. The first interface member includes a first through passage extending in the intersecting direction, the second interface member includes a second through passage extending in the intersecting direction, and an external thread portion provided on a first outer wall portion of the first through passage of the first interface member is formed to be threadably engageable with an internal thread portion provided on a second outer wall portion of the second through passage of the second interface member. The internal threaded portion is provided in a nut that is rotatably locked to a connecting portion that connects the first interface member and the second interface member to each other. With this connection structure, the pressure vessels placed in parallel with each other can be connected to each other, and also piping arrangement can be performed. Since the nut having the internal thread portion is formed to be rotatable independently of the connecting portion, an error in the attachment angle between the pressure vessels can be eliminated.
The first interface may be connected to both ends of the first body portion of the first pressure vessel. The second interface may be connected to both ends of the second body portion of the second pressure vessel.
With this connecting structure, it is possible to interconnect the adjacent interface members at opposite ends of the pressure vessel in the axial direction.
A sealing member surrounding the first through passage may be provided on an abutment surface between the first and second interface members.
Due to the sealing member provided between the end surface of the first interface member and the end surface of the second interface member facing the end surface of the first interface member, when the first and second interface members adjacent to each other are connected, it is possible to adjust the angle when the pressure vessel is connected and to ensure airtightness between the connection portions of the pressure vessel.
The first interface may include a first tapered surface disposed about the first through passage of the first interface. The second interface may include a second tapered surface disposed about the second through passage of the second interface so as to abut the first tapered surface.
In this connection structure, when the first and second interface members adjacent to each other are connected, the tapered surfaces abut against each other. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust the angle when the pressure vessels are connected and to ensure airtightness between the connection portions of the pressure vessels.
A second aspect of the invention relates to a tank module including the connecting structure for a pressure vessel.
In the tank module, the juxtaposed pressure vessels are configured such that adjacent interface members are continuously connected. With this tank module, assembly and piping arrangement of the tank module can be achieved without using large and complicated members such as a manifold.
A third aspect of the invention relates to a manufacturing method of a tank module, and the manufacturing method includes: a process of connecting the first interface to the first body portion of the first pressure vessel; a process of connecting the second interface to the second body portion of a second pressure vessel placed in parallel with the first pressure vessel; and a process of connecting the first interface to the second interface.
In this manufacturing method, the tank module is manufactured by forming a plurality of pressure vessels in the above first process and then connecting a necessary number of pressure vessels for the tank module in a process subsequent thereto. With this manufacturing method, the pressure vessels formed in advance in the first process can be stored, and then, the necessary number of pressure vessels for the tank module can be connected in the subsequent process. I.e. it is possible to cope with the manufacture of a plurality of tank modules with different numbers of pressure vessels and different arrangements thereof.
The present invention can provide a connecting structure for connecting a plurality of pressure vessels placed side by side, which can eliminate an error in an attachment angle between the pressure vessels when the pressure vessels are connected to each other.
Drawings
Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:
fig. 1A is a plan view of a tank module according to a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1B is a side view of a tank module according to a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1C is a rear view of a tank module according to a first embodiment of the invention;
fig. 2 is a sectional view (sectional view taken along line II-II in fig. 1B) of an interface member in the connecting structure for a pressure vessel according to the first embodiment of the invention;
fig. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a state in which adjacent interface members are connected to each other in the connection structure for a pressure vessel according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
figure 4 is a plan view of a tank module according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the invention;
figure 5 is a plan view of a tank module according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention;
figure 6 is a plan view of a tank module according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention; and is
Fig. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a state in which adjacent interface members are connected to each other in the connection structure for a pressure vessel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
A connecting structure for a pressure vessel according to each embodiment of the present invention is described below. Note that in each drawing, an arrow FR indicates the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction, an arrow UP indicates the upper side in the vehicle UP-down direction, an arrow LH indicates the left side in the vehicle left-right direction, and an arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle left-right direction. Further, a direction connecting the left side to the right side in the vehicle left-right direction is referred to as a vehicle width direction.
First embodiment
A connecting structure 14 for a pressure vessel according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1A to 3.
Basic structure
As illustrated in fig. 1A to 1C, the tank module 10 to which the connection structure 14 for pressure vessels according to the present embodiment is applied is provided with a plurality of pressure vessels 12, and is configured such that the pressure vessels 12 are connected to each other. More specifically, the pressure vessel 12 includes a first pressure vessel 12A and a second pressure vessel 12B, which are shorter in axial length than the first pressure vessel 12A. The tank module 10 is constituted by nine first pressure vessels 12A placed side by side on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and a second pressure vessel 12B placed outward in the vehicle width direction from the first pressure vessels 12A. As one example, the tank module 10 is placed on the lower side of a floor panel (not shown) of a fuel cell vehicle in the vehicle up-down direction.
The pressure vessel 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction (longitudinal direction) along the vehicle front-rear direction. As illustrated in fig. 2, the pressure vessel 12 is constituted by a body portion 20 formed in a cylindrical shape and interface members 30 connected to openings 22 provided on opposite ends of the body portion 20 in the axial direction, respectively. The body portion 20 includes a cylindrical liner 24 made of, for example, an aluminum alloy, and a reinforcing member 26 formed by winding a sheet-shaped CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced resin) on an outer peripheral surface of the liner 24. Note that carbon fibers (not shown) in the fiber-reinforced resin are aligned in the circumferential direction of the liner 24 on the inner circumferential surface of the reinforcing member 26, eventually the body portion 20. Further, in the portion of the reinforcement member 26 other than the inner peripheral surface, the carbon fibers are aligned in the circumferential direction of the liner 24, and the carbon fibers with half the number of the carbon fibers so aligned in the circumferential direction are aligned so as to intersect the axial direction. Further, the outer ends of the reinforcement members 26 in the axial direction project outward in the axial direction from the outer ends of the liner 24 in the axial direction.
The interface 30 includes: an insertion portion 32 to be inserted into the opening 22 provided in the body portion 20; and a connecting portion 34 provided outward in the axial direction from the insertion portion 32. The insertion portion 32 is inserted into the body portion 20, and the connection portion 34 is disposed outside the body portion 20 in the axial direction. The connecting portion 34 extends in the vehicle width direction that intersects the axial direction and is formed so as to be connectable to the connecting portion 34 of the interface 30 that is adjacent in the vehicle width direction. Further, the interface 30 includes a through passage 48 that passes through the connecting portion 34 in the vehicle width direction, and a communication passage 46 that passes through the insertion portion 32 in the axial direction and is configured to connect the through passage 48 to the inside of the body portion 20.
The insertion portion 32 includes a convex holding portion 40 and a pressure receiving portion 42. The raised holding portion 40 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is formed in combination by four substantially wedge-shaped elements placed along the circumferential direction of the body portion 20. In other words, the projection holding portion 40 is divided into four parts by dividing lines (not shown) extending substantially in the axial direction. A flange 40A that projects outward in the radial direction is formed in the outer end of the raised holding portion 40 in the axial direction. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the convex holding portion 40 is formed as a tapered surface 40B, and the tapered surface 40B is reduced in diameter as it extends outward in the axial direction.
A serrated portion 40C composed of a plurality of serrations is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the projection holding portion 40. The serration portions 40C are continuously formed along the circumferential direction of the projection holding portion 40. Each serration is configured such that its axially outer surface (the outer surface of each serration in the axial direction of the pressure vessel) is perpendicular to the axial direction and its axially inner surface is inclined radially inward as it extends inward in the axial direction. The angle of inclination of the tip formed by the axially outer surface of the serration and the axially inner surface thereof is acute.
The pressure receiving portion 42 is inserted into the projection holding portion 40. The pressure receiving portion 42 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape and is configured such that the side wall portion 42B can be elastically deformed inward substantially in the radial direction around the top portion 42A placed on the outer side in the axial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 42B is formed as a tapered surface 42C, the tapered surface 42C decreasing in diameter as it extends outward in the axial direction. The tapered surface 42C comes into contact with the tapered surface 40B of the raised retaining portion 40. Further, a projecting portion 42D projecting radially outward is formed on an outer peripheral surface of an axially inner portion of the side wall portion 42B, and an axially inner end surface of the projection holding portion 40 is brought into contact with an axially outer surface of the projecting portion 42D. Further, the opening 42E of the pressure receiving portion 42 communicates with the inside of the body portion 20. That is, the fluid inside the body portion 20 flows into the pressure receiving portion 42, and the side wall portion 42B can be displaced substantially radially outward due to the pressure of the fluid. Further, a groove 42F is formed in the circumferential direction in the vicinity of the axially inner end of the pressure receiving portion 42. An O-ring 58 as an elastic body is accommodated in the groove 42F.
Further, the connection portion 34 includes: a tube portion 36 having a tubular shape and provided in a first end of the connecting portion 34 in the vehicle width direction; and a flange portion 38 provided in a second end thereof in the vehicle width direction. The tube portion 36 and the flange portion 38 constitute a wall portion of the through passage 48. An externally threaded portion 50 is formed in an end portion of the pipe portion 36 as an outer wall portion of the through passage 48 for the first one of the adjacent mouthpiece 30. Further, the nut 52 is rotatably locked to the flange portion 38 as the outer wall portion of the through passage 48 for the second one of the adjacent interface members 30. More specifically, the flange portion 38 is fitted to a groove 52A provided on the inner peripheral surface of the nut 52. Although the nut 52 can rotate in the vehicle width direction, its movement in the vehicle width direction is restricted. An internal thread portion 54 that can be threadedly engaged with the external thread portion 50 is formed in the nut 52.
As illustrated in fig. 3, one pressure vessel 12 is configured such that the nut 52 of its adjacent pressure vessel 12 is fastened to the tube portion 36 provided in the interface 30 of the one pressure vessel 12. That is, the pressure vessels 12 placed side by side are connected to each other such that the externally threaded portion 50 of one pressure vessel 12 is threadedly engaged with the internally threaded portion 54 formed in the nut 52 of its adjacent pressure vessel 12. At this time, in the pressure vessels 12 adjacent to each other in this way, their through passages 48 are connected in series. Further, airtightness between the connection portions of the pressure vessel 12 is maintained by an O-ring 56 made of an elastomer as a sealing member. Here, the O-ring 56 is provided on the end surface of the connecting portion 34 of the first one of the adjacent mouthpiece 30 (in the present embodiment, the end surface on the flange portion 38 side), so as to surround the through passage 48. The O-ring 56 is fitted to an annular groove 38A provided on the end surface on the flange portion 38 side. Meanwhile, the abutment portion 36A facing the first one of the adjacent mouthpiece 30 is provided in the connecting portion 34 of the second one of the adjacent mouthpiece 30. The abutment portion 36A is a portion against which the O-ring 56 abuts. In the present embodiment, the O-ring 56 is provided on the end surface on the flange portion 38 side. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the O-ring 56 may be provided on the end surface (abutment portion 36A) on the tube portion 36 side.
In the present embodiment, as illustrated in fig. 1A and 1B, the interface members 30 are provided on opposite ends of each pressure vessel 12 in the axial direction, so that the adjacent pressure vessels 12 are connected to each other at their opposite ends in the axial direction. Here, in the tank module 10 of the present embodiment, the axial length of the second pressure vessel 12B placed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction is shorter than the axial length of the nine first pressure vessels 12A placed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the second pressure vessel 12B and the first pressure vessel 12A placed adjacent thereto are connected to each other via the interface 30 on the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction, but are connected to each other via the interface 62 having the extension 62A extending in the axial direction on the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the tank module 10 is constituted by pressure vessels 12 having different lengths in combination, but the tank module 10 may be constituted by only pressure vessels 12 having the same length. In this case, the interface 62 is not required.
Further, in the tank module 10 of the present embodiment, the valve 64 is provided in the interface 30 provided on the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction of the first pressure vessel 12A placed at the center in the vehicle width direction. The valve 64 is configured to extract fluid from the pressure vessel 12 of the tank module 10 and control the flow of the fluid. The valve 64 is connected to a fuel cell stack, supply piping, etc. (not shown).
Manufacture of tank modules
The tank module 10 of the present embodiment is manufactured in substantially two steps. The first step is a step of connecting the interface 30 to the opening 22 on the opposite end of the body portion 20 in the axial direction, that is, a step of forming the pressure vessel 12. More specifically, each of the insertion portions 32 of the interface 30 is inserted into the corresponding opening 22 on the opposite end in the axial direction. Here, when the insertion portion 32 is inserted, the axially outer surface of the projecting portion 42D is away from the axially inner end surface of the projection holding portion 40. Accordingly, the boss holding portion 40 is placed radially inward, as compared with the case where the axially outer surface of the projecting portion 42D comes into contact with the axially inner end surface of the boss holding portion 40 (see fig. 2). Accordingly, the outer diameter of the insertion portion 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 22, so that the insertion portion 32 can be inserted into the body portion 20. A flange 40A provided on an outer end of the raised holding portion 40 in the axial direction abuts an end surface of the reinforcing member 26 of the sheet-shaped CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced resin), so that further movement of the raised holding portion 40 into the body portion 20 is restricted. Meanwhile, as illustrated in fig. 2, the liner 24 is not provided in the outer portion of the body portion 20 in the axial direction into which the insertion portion 32 is inserted, so that the convex holding portion 40 of the insertion portion 32 faces the reinforcement member 26.
When the pressure receiving portion 42 is moved outward in the axial direction from the raised holding portion 40 after the insertion portion 32 is inserted into the body portion 20, the pressure receiving portion 42 is moved in a direction in which the tapered surface 42C increases in diameter relative to the tapered surface 40B, so that the raised holding portion 40 is displaced outward in the radial direction. As a result, the serration portions 40C of the convex holding portion 40 are cut into the inner peripheral surface of the reinforcing member 26, as schematically shown in fig. 2. Thereby, the interface 30 is fixed to the body part 20 so that they are connected to each other. Note that the tip ends in the serration portions 40C are cut into portions between the carbon fibers and their adjacent carbon fibers on the inner peripheral surface of the reinforcing member 26.
Further, upon receiving pressure from the inside of the body portion 20, the convex holding portion 40 of the interface 30 can be displaced outward in the radial direction of the body portion 20. Accordingly, the higher the pressure of the fluid contained inside the body portion 20, the more the convex holding portion 40 is displaced outward in the radial direction of the body portion 20 and cuts into the reinforcement member 26. That is, the mouthpiece 30 becomes more difficult to displace outward in the axial direction in proportion to the pressure of the fluid contained inside the body portion 20, so that the fluid with higher pressure can be contained inside the body portion 20.
Thus, one pressure vessel 12 is formed such that the interface members 30 are connected to the openings 22 on the opposite ends of the body portion 20 in the axial direction, respectively.
The second step is a step of connecting the respective interface members 30 of the pressure vessels 12 placed in parallel with each other. More specifically, the interface members 30 of adjacent pressure vessels 12 are connected to the interface member 30 of one pressure vessel 12. Even more specifically, the nuts 52 of adjacent pressure vessels 12 are secured to the tube portion 36 of the one pressure vessel 12. That is, the adjacent interface 30 is connected by threadedly engaging the male screw portion 50 with the female screw portion 54.
Here, in the case where the interface 30 is simultaneously connected to each other at both ends of the adjacent pressure vessels 12 in the axial direction, if the adjacent interface 30 on the first end of the pressure vessel 12 in the axial direction is connected to each other first, the axes of the adjacent pressure vessels 12 are inclined, thereby making it difficult to connect the interface 30 on the second end of the pressure vessel 12 in the axial direction. Accordingly, in the case where the adjacent pressure vessels 12 (the interface 30) are connected to each other at opposite ends thereof in the axial direction, the nuts 52 are fastened at the same pitch at the opposite ends in the axial direction. This prevents the axes of adjacent pressure vessels 12 from tilting and allows them to be easily connected.
Note that sealing is performed on the through passage 48 of the mouthpiece 30 provided on the pressure vessel 12 placed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. More specifically, on the tube portion 36 side, a cap 60 (see fig. 1A to 1C) is threadedly engaged with the male threaded portion 50 so that the through passage 48 is closed. Meanwhile, on the flange portion 38 side, a plug (not shown) is threadedly engaged with the nut 52 so that the through passage 48 is closed.
As described above, the first pressure vessel 12A and the second pressure vessel 12B having different lengths are connected to each other via the interface 62 having the extension 62A extending in the axial direction. The tank module 10 is thus manufactured by the second step.
Further, a step of connecting the valve 64 to the tank module 10, a step of placing the tank module 10 on the lower side of a floor panel (not shown) in the vehicle up-down direction, and a step of connecting a supply pipe extending from the fuel cell stack to the valve 64 are performed. Thus, a fuel system of the fuel cell vehicle is formed.
Modifications of the type
Modifications of the first embodiment are described below. This variant has the same basic configuration, except for how the interface 30 is connected. The following modifications deal with differences from the first embodiment. Further, the same reference numerals are given to the same members as those of the first embodiment.
First modification
Fig. 4 illustrates a first modification of the first embodiment. As illustrated in fig. 4, the tank module 10A to which the connection structure 14A for a pressure vessel according to the first modification is applied is configured such that the interface 30 is provided only in one end of the pressure vessel 12 in the axial direction. In the pressure vessel 12 of the first modification, the interface 30 is connected to the opening 22 on the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the opening 22 on the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction is closed by the lid member 70. Although not particularly illustrated, the cover member 70 includes a cover for closing the opening 22. The portion inserted into the body portion 20 has the same structure as the insertion portion 32 without the communication passage 46. The other configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.
The first modification can be applied to a case where the amount of fluid flowing out through the communication passage 46 and the through passage 48 in the interface 30 is smaller than the demand of the fuel cell. That is, in the first modification, the number of interface members 30 can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment, thereby enabling cost suppression.
Second modification
Fig. 5 illustrates a second modification of the first embodiment. As illustrated in fig. 5, the tank module 10B to which the connection structure 14B for pressure vessels according to the second modification is applied is configured such that the pressure vessels 12 placed side by side are connected in series. The tank module 10B of the second modification is constituted by eight first pressure vessels 12A placed side by side on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and a second pressure vessel 12B placed outward from the first pressure vessels 12A in the vehicle width direction. Here, in the second modification, three or more interface members 30 are not continuously connected. More specifically, as for the first pressure vessel and the second pressure vessel in the pressure vessel 12 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, their interface members 30 on the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction are connected to each other. As for the second and third pressure vessels among the pressure vessels 12 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, their interface members 30 on the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction are connected to each other. As for the third and fourth pressure vessels among the pressure vessels 12 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, their interface members 30 on the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction are connected to each other. As for the fourth and fifth pressure vessels among the pressure vessels 12 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, their interface members 30 on the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction are connected to each other. As for the pressure vessels 12 at the center in the vehicle width direction (from the opposite side in the vehicle width direction, the fifth pressure vessel among the pressure vessels 12), their interface members 30 on the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction are connected to each other.
Note that the opening 22 of the second pressure vessel 12B on the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction is closed by the lid member 70. Further, in the second modification, the valve 64 is connected to the interface on the right side in the vehicle width direction of the second pressure vessel 12B.
Therefore, with the connecting structure 14B for pressure vessels in the second modification, the pressure vessels 12 can be connected in series.
Third modification
Fig. 6 illustrates a third modification of the first embodiment. As illustrated in fig. 6, the tank module 10C to which the connecting structure 14C for pressure vessels according to the third modification is applied is configured such that the pressure vessels 12 placed side by side are connected to each other at opposite ends thereof in the axial direction. The tank module 10C of the third modification is constituted by the pressure vessels 12 (the first pressure vessel 12C, the second pressure vessel 12D, the third pressure vessel 12E, the fourth pressure vessel 12F, the fifth pressure vessel 12G, and the sixth pressure vessel 12H) placed such that the axial length increases from the outer side in the vehicle width direction toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction. That is, the first pressure vessel 12C at the center in the vehicle width direction is longer than its adjacent second pressure vessel 12D, the second pressure vessel 12D is longer than its adjacent third pressure vessel 12E, and the third pressure vessel 12E is longer than its adjacent fourth pressure vessel 12F. Further, the fourth pressure vessel 12F is longer than its adjacent fifth pressure vessel 12G, and the fifth pressure vessel 12G is longer than its adjacent sixth pressure vessel 12H placed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In a third variation, the difference in length between any adjacent pressure vessels 12 is the same. That is, as illustrated in fig. 6, in a state where the positions of the rear ends of the pressure vessels 12 in the vehicle front-rear direction are aligned with each other, the front ends thereof in the vehicle front-rear direction are arranged in a direction that is inclined rearward in the vehicle front-rear direction from the inner side in the vehicle width direction toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction (see the inclined directions T1, T2).
Here, the interface 66 having the connecting portion 66A configured such that its first end in the vehicle width direction extends in the oblique direction T1 and its second end extends in the oblique direction T2 is connected to the opening 22 of the first pressure vessel 12C on the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the respective interface members 68 each having the connecting portion 68A extending in the oblique direction T1 or the oblique direction T2 are connected to the openings 22 of the second pressure vessel 12D, the third pressure vessel 12E, the fourth pressure vessel 12F, the fifth pressure vessel 12G, and the sixth pressure vessel 12H on the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction. Note that the interface 68 provided in the sixth pressure vessel 12H is configured such that the through passage 48 is closed by the cap 60 or a plug (not shown).
Therefore, in the connection structure 14C for pressure vessels in the third modification, the pressure vessels 12 can be connected to each other by the interface 68 provided in the direction diagonal to the axial direction of the pressure vessel 12 (the inclined directions T1, T2).
Conclusion
The features and effects of the present embodiment are summarized as follows.
A first feature is that the mouthpiece 30 connected to the opening 22 of the body section 20 includes a connecting portion 34 to which the adjacent mouthpiece 30 can be connected in a crossing direction crossing the axial direction. The connection portion 34 includes: an externally threaded portion 50 formed in the pipe portion 36 as an outer wall portion of the through passage 48 for the first one of the adjacent mouthpiece 30; and a nut 52 rotatably locked to the flange portion 38 as an outer wall portion of the through passage 48 for the second one of the adjacent mouthpiece 30, the nut 52 having an internal threaded portion 54 threadably engageable with the external threaded portion 50. One pressure vessel 12 is constructed such that the nut 52 of its adjacent pressure vessel 12 is tightened to the tube portion 36 disposed in the interface 30 of the one pressure vessel 12. That is, adjacent mouthpiece 30 are connected such that the externally threaded portion 50 of a first one of the adjacent mouthpiece 30 is threadedly engaged with an internally threaded portion 54 formed in the nut 52 of a second one of the adjacent mouthpiece 30. Thereby, the adjacent pressure vessels 12 are connected to each other and the through passages 48 of the adjacent pressure vessels 12 are connected to each other (see fig. 3).
With the first feature, the following effects can be obtained as compared with the case where the pressure vessel is connected to the integrally formed manifold as described in JP 2001-506737A. That is, in the case where pressure vessels are connected via a manifold, as the number of pressure vessels to be juxtaposed increases, the manifold increases in size and becomes complicated. This correspondingly increases the manufacturing cost. In contrast, with the first feature, when the same type of interface 30 is prepared, it is possible to cope with an increase and a decrease in the number of pressure vessels 12 to be placed. That is, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed as compared with the case of connection via a manifold.
Further, the nut 52 is formed to be rotatable independently of the connecting portion 34 of the mouthpiece 30. Here, in the case where the internal threaded portion fixed to the flange portion 38 side is provided in the connecting portion 34, it is necessary to fix a first one of the adjacent pressure vessels 12 and rotate a second one of the adjacent pressure vessels 12 about the axis along the through passage 48 so that the internal threaded portion is threadedly engaged with the external threaded portion 50 of the pipe portion 36 to be fastened thereto. Accordingly, it is difficult to place the adjacent pressure vessels 12 side by side with each other at the end of fastening. In contrast, in the present embodiment having the first feature, the attachment angle (angle about the vehicle width direction) between the pressure vessels 12 placed side by side can be adjusted when the nut 52 is fastened to the tube portion 36. For example, in the case where the pressure vessels 12 configured such that the interface 30 is provided only on one side of the body portion of the pressure vessel 12 in the axial direction are placed side by side with each other as described in the first modification, it is possible to eliminate an error in the attachment angle between the pressure vessels 12. That is, the variation on the lid member 70 side between the adjacent pressure vessels 12 can be suppressed.
Further, in the first embodiment and the first and second modifications, the interface 30 includes the connecting portion 34 extending in the vehicle width direction. That is, when the vehicle width direction is in the crossing direction crossing the axial direction of the pressure vessel 12 and the adjacent mouthpiece 30 are connected to each other, the mouthpiece 30 is aligned in the vehicle width direction (see fig. 1A to 1C, 4, and 5). Meanwhile, in the third modification, the interface 68 includes the connection portion 68A extending in the inclined direction T1 or the inclined direction T2. That is, when the inclination direction is in the crossing direction crossing the axial direction of the pressure vessel 12 and the adjacent interface pieces 68 are connected to each other, the interface pieces 68 are aligned in the inclination direction T1 or the inclination direction T2 (see fig. 6). Therefore, in the present embodiment and its modifications, the pressure vessels 12 thus juxtaposed can be connected to each other in the vertical direction (vehicle width direction) or in the diagonal directions (oblique directions T1, T2) with respect to the axial direction of the pressure vessels 12.
A second feature is that the interface 30 is provided in opposite ends of the body portion 20 in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, since the mouthpiece 30 is provided in the opposite end in the axial direction, the adjacent mouthpieces 30 are connected to each other at the opposite end in the axial direction of the pressure vessel 12. Thereby, the adjacent pressure vessels 12 are connected to each other at their opposite ends in the axial direction, and the through passages 48 of the adjacent pressure vessels 12 are connected to each other at their opposite ends in the axial direction. That is, with the second feature, in addition to the effect of the first feature, it is possible to efficiently connect the adjacent pressure vessels 12 to each other and perform piping arrangement.
Further, as described above, in the case where the internal thread portion fixed to the flange portion 38 side is provided in the connecting portion 34, it is necessary to fix the first one of the adjacent pressure vessels 12 and rotate the second one of the adjacent pressure vessels 12 about the axis along the through passage 48 so that the internal thread portion is threadedly engaged with the external thread portion 50 of the pipe portion 36 to be fastened thereto. Therefore, it is difficult to simultaneously connect the adjacent mouthpiece 30 to each other at opposite ends of the pressure vessel 12 in the axial direction. In contrast, in the present embodiment having the second feature, the nut 52 is formed to be rotatable independently of the connecting portion 34 of the mouthpiece 30. Accordingly, it is possible to simultaneously connect the adjacent mouthpiece 30 to each other at opposite ends of the pressure vessel 12 in the axial direction.
Note that, like the third modification of the present embodiment, in the case where the length of the pressure vessel 12 is changed at a given ratio, it is possible to connect the adjacent pressure vessels 12 at opposite ends of the pressure vessel 12 in the axial direction by using the interface 30 and the interface 68 including the connecting portion 68A inclined in the diagonal direction (the inclined directions T1, T2). Further, even in the case where the pressure vessels 12 have the same length, when the interface 68 is provided at the opposite ends of the pressure vessel 12 in the axial direction, it is possible to form the tank module that projects forward in the vehicle front-rear direction toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, for example.
A third feature is that an O-ring 56 is provided on an end surface of a first one of the interface members 30 of the adjacent pressure vessel 12 (an end surface of the connecting portion 34 on one side) so as to surround the through passage 48, and the O-ring 56 is brought into contact with an end surface of a second one of the interface members 30 at a position surrounding the through passage 48. In the present embodiment, an O-ring 56 is provided on the end surface on the flange portion 38 side so as to surround the through passage 48, and an abutting portion 36A against which the O-ring 56 abuts is provided on the end surface on the tube portion 36 side. With the third feature, it is possible to adjust the angle around the vehicle width direction when the pressure vessel 12 is connected and ensure airtightness between the connection portions of the pressure vessel 12.
A fourth feature is that the interface pieces 30 of the juxtaposed pressure vessels 12 are continuously interconnected in the tank module 10. In the case where a plurality of pressure vessels are placed such that the pressure vessels are connected to each other, if a valve and a pipe are provided to the pressure vessels, the structure becomes complicated and the cost increases. In contrast, with the fourth feature, the assembly and piping arrangement of the tank module 10 can be performed without using large and complicated members such as a manifold so that the pressure vessels 12 are connected to each other.
A fifth feature is that the manufacturing method of the tank module 10 includes: a step of connecting the interface 30 to the opening 22 of the body portion 20, i.e., a first step of forming the pressure vessel 12, and a second step of connecting the respective interface 30 of the pressure vessels 12 placed side by side to each other. When the fifth feature is applied to the manufacturing method of the tank module 10, the pre-formed pressure vessels 12 can be stored up in a first step, and then the necessary number of pressure vessels 12 for the tank module 10 can be connected to each other in a second step. That is, it is possible to handle the manufacture of a plurality of tank modules 10 with different numbers of pressure vessels 12 and different arrangements thereof.
Second embodiment
A connecting structure 14D for a pressure vessel according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 7. The tank module 10D to which the connection structure 14D for a pressure vessel according to the second embodiment is applied differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the end of the connection portion 34. Differences from the first embodiment are described below. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same members as those of the first embodiment.
As illustrated in fig. 7, the connection portion 34 includes: a first tapered surface 36B formed around the through passage 48 on an end surface (an end surface on one side) of a first one of the interface pieces 30 of the adjacent pressure vessels 12; and a second tapered surface 38B formed around the through passage 48 on an end surface of a second one of the headers 30 and abutting the first tapered surface 36B. More specifically, the first tapered surface 36B is formed as a tapered surface of a projection portion in the shape of a trapezoidal cone provided on the end surface of the tube portion 36. Further, the second tapered surface 38B is formed as an inclined surface of a recess portion of a trapezoidal taper shape provided on the end surface of the flange portion 38. Note that the first tapered surface may be formed as an inclined surface of a recess portion of a trapezoidal cone shape provided on the end surface of the pipe portion 36, and the second tapered surface may be formed as a tapered surface of a projection portion of a trapezoidal cone shape provided on the end surface of the flange portion 38.
In the present embodiment, similarly to the third feature of the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to adjust the angle around the vehicle width direction when the pressure vessels 12 are connected to each other and to ensure airtightness between the connection portions of the pressure vessels 12. Further, in a range where the first tapered surface 36B abuts the second tapered surface 38B, a deviation in angle (parallelism deviation) between the respective axial directions of the adjacent pressure vessels 12 can be allowed. Further, in the second embodiment, the airtightness when the first tapered surface 36B is brought into contact with the second tapered surface 38B can be ensured without any gap around the through passage 48, so that the O-ring 56 as a sealing member is not required. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, since the O-ring 56 is not required, the structure can be simplified and the cost can be suppressed.
Comments
In each of the above embodiments, the serration 40C of the raised retaining portion 40 is configured such that its axially outer surface is perpendicular to the axial direction and its axially inner surface is inclined radially inward as it extends inward along the axial direction (see fig. 2 and 3), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the axially outer surface may not be perpendicular to the axial direction and may be inclined radially inward as it extends outward along the axial direction. Further, instead of the serration 40C, projections having other shapes may be formed in the projection holding portion 40.
Further, the liner 24 of each embodiment is made of an aluminum alloy. However, the liner 24 is not limited thereto, and may be made of a material that suppresses permeation of hydrogen inside the liner 24, such as nylon resin. Further, the pressure vessel 12 is configured so as to contain hydrogen gas therein. However, the pressure vessel 12 is not limited thereto, and other gas, liquid such as LPG, or the like may be contained therein.
The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above description, and may be modified and executed in various ways as long as the modifications do not exceed the gist thereof.

Claims (6)

1. A connecting structure for a pressure vessel, the connecting structure characterized by comprising:
a first interface member connected to at least one end of a first tubular pressure vessel in an axial direction;
a second interface member connected to at least one end of a second tubular pressure vessel in the axial direction; and
a nut, wherein:
the first interface includes a first through passage extending in a crossing direction crossing the axial direction and a first communication passage configured to connect the first through passage to an inside of a first body portion of the first pressure vessel;
the second interface includes a second penetration passage extending in the intersecting direction intersecting the axial direction and a second communication passage configured to connect the second penetration passage to an interior of a second body portion of the second pressure vessel;
the first interface member includes an externally threaded portion disposed on a first outer wall portion of the first through passage; and is
The nut is rotatably locked to a second outer wall portion of the second through passage of the second interface member and is threadedly engaged with the externally threaded portion of the first interface member so as to interconnect the first and second interface members in the crosswise direction.
2. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein:
the first interface member is connected to both ends of the first body portion of the first pressure vessel; and is
The second interface is connected to both ends of the second body portion of the second pressure vessel.
3. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a seal member that surrounds the first through passage is provided on an abutment surface between the first interface member and the second interface member.
4. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:
the first interface includes a first tapered surface disposed about the first through passage of the first interface; and is
The second interface includes a second tapered surface disposed about the second through passage of the second interface so as to abut the first tapered surface.
5. Tank module comprising a connection according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the pressure vessels placed side by side are continuously interconnected by means of the first and second interface members.
6. A manufacturing method of the tank module according to claim 5, characterized by comprising:
connecting the first interface to the first body portion of the first pressure vessel;
a process of connecting the second interface to the second body portion of the second pressure vessel placed in parallel with the first pressure vessel; and
a process of connecting the first interface to the second interface.
CN201810895427.0A 2017-08-10 2018-08-08 Connection structure of pressure vessel, tank module including the same, and tank module manufacturing method Active CN109386730B (en)

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DE102018118397B4 (en) 2020-08-06
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US10598312B2 (en) 2020-03-24
CN109386730A (en) 2019-02-26
US20190049070A1 (en) 2019-02-14

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